Meet Nyleek
In November 2020, what started as stomach pain and dizziness quickly turned into a life-changing diagnosis for Nyleek and his family.
“He was complaining of stomach pain and being dizzy,” his mom, Pearlicia, said. “I took him to the doctor's, where they tested him for Covid, flu, and strep, and all tests were negative.”
When initial tests didn’t provide answers, the doctor decided to run bloodwork. The results were concerning.
“It showed that his white blood cell count was very high,” Pearlicia said. “The doctor pushed on his side and said it may be his appendix. She told me to take him straight to Greenville and she would let them know we were on the way.”
Doctors at Greenville confirmed appendicitis and scheduled surgery. But during the procedure, they discovered something more alarming: a cancerous tumor in his bowels.
Nyleek was diagnosed with Acute Biphenotypic Leukemia. He immediately began treatment that would last more than two years.
On March 9, 2023, Nyleek received his last treatment, and shortly after, he rang the bell to celebrate the end of his journey! Today, Nyleek is doing wonderfully. He’s playing varsity football and has an impressive 4.2 GPA.
But Pearlicia knows the impact of childhood cancer doesn’t end when treatment does.
“I wish people knew that childhood cancer affects the whole family and more research needs to be done to help with chances of survival,” she said. “People should think about donating to childhood cancer research during Cancer Survivors Month.”
Throughout Nyleek’s journey, Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas was there to ease some of the burdens.
“CCP helped us through Nyleek’s cancer journey by providing us with financial assistance for meals and gas. They invited us to fun activities during the year to keep our spirits up. They also called us to check on us and to see if we needed anything,” Pearlicia said.
